The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecommunications operators, will be granting approval for tariff adjustment requests by Network Operators in response to prevailing market conditions.

In a statement released by its Director, Public Affairs,Reuben Muoka, the adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 per cent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 per cent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.

These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as is the Commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews. It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.

Tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite the increasing costs of operation faced by telecom operators. The approved adjustment is aimed at addressing the significant gap between operational costs and current tariffs while ensuring that the delivery of services to consumers is not compromised.

These adjustments will support the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage.

Recognising the concerns of the public, this decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors.

The NCC has prioritised striking a balance between protecting telecom consumers and ensuring the sustainability of the industry, including the thousands of indigenous vendors and suppliers who form a critical part of the telecommunications ecosystem.

The NCC recognises the financial pressures faced by Nigerian households and businesses and remains deeply empathetic to the impact of tariff adjustments. To this end, the Commission has mandated that operators implement these adjustments transparently and in a manner that is fair to consumers. Operators are also required to educate and inform the public about the new rates while demonstrating measurable improvements in service delivery.

Additionally, the NCC reaffirms its dedication to fostering a resilient, innovative, and inclusive telecommunications sector. Beyond protecting consumers, the Commission’s actions are designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry, support indigenous vendors and suppliers, and promote the overall growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

As a regulator, the NCC will continue to engage with stakeholders to create a telecommunications environment that works for everyone—one that protects consumers, supports operators, and sustains the ecosystem that drives connectivity across the nation.

Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the suspended pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David Parish, has launched a new ministry in Lagos called The Family Fellowship.

In a video that went viral on Monday morning, Iluyomade was seen celebrating with members during their inaugural service held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The service, which took place on Sunday morning, was marked by joyous dancing and jubilation.

Announcing the new ministry on Instagram, Iluyomade invited the public to attend the fellowship.

He wrote, “The Family Fellowship invites you specially. Join us tomorrow at the Civic Centre for a special time in the Lord’s presence. Promises to be a great experience.”

Iluyomade, formerly the senior pastor of City of David Parish, was suspended by RCCG in 2024 after his wife, Pastor Siju, hosted an elaborate 60th birthday celebration shortly after the tragic death of Herbert Wigwe, a prominent church member and former CEO of Access Bank, along with his wife and son.

Many criticised the timing of the celebration, which took place just weeks after Wigwe’s passing in a helicopter crash in the United States, viewing it as insensitive.

Wigwe had been a significant supporter of the church before his untimely death.

Following the backlash, the RCCG Governing Council convened a panel to investigate the matter.

In June 2024, Iluyomade and his wife were suspended for three months and reassigned to worship at the church’s headquarters in Ebute Metta.

The couple’s suspension drew further attention after they were disinvited from the Wigwe family’s funeral.

Now, the Iluyomades have established their own ministry to continue their spiritual mission.

Rapheala Ogbodo, a two-year-old pupil of Smiley Kids Montessori school in the Sangotedo area of Lagos, has been reportedly found dead in her school pool.

On Wednesday, a social media user with the name Ella on X called for justice over the death of her daughter, who she said left for school that day but did not return alive.

She accused the management of the school of having a hand in the death of her daughter alleging that the late pupil was electrocuted and thrown into the pool to make it look like an accident.

However, in a statement on Saturday, the Lagos state government said the school has been shut down to pave the way for a probe into the incident.

“The attention of the Lagos State Safety Commission has been drawn to the swimming pool accident that occurred at Smiley Kids Montessori, Heritage Place Estate, Sangotedo, Lagos, on Wednesday, 15th January 2025, which led to the death of a two-year-old female, Rapheala Ogbodo,” the statement reads.

The statement said officials of the state safety commission, office of education quality assurance, and ministry of education have visited the school to carry out a preliminary investigation and ascertain the cause of the incident.

Lanre Mojola, director-general of the commission, urged all school owners and caregivers to ensure compliance with safety regulations to prevent accidents in the state.

“While the school is presently under lock pending further investigation, the state government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the victim and expresses its commitment to preventing future occurrences,” Mojola said.

Mojola said further information would be made available upon the completion of investigations into the accident.

At least 70 people have reportedly died in a petrol tanker explosion that occurred around Dikko junction in Gurara LGA of Niger state.

Several other people sustained varying degrees of injuries in the accident on Saturday.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the casualty figures.

Abdullahi Baba, NSEMA director-general, said the tanker ignited when the driver was trying to transfer the spilled content into another tanker.

“The incident occurred when a tanker loaded with PMS crashed, and an attempt was made by the drivers to transfer its contents to a second tanker,” he said.

“In the process, the spilling PMS came in contact with a generator that was used to power the transfer process, triggering an explosion of flames that has caused over 50 death injured many and destroyed properties estimated in millions.”

Reacting to the incident, Umar Bago, governor of Niger, in a statement by Bologi Ibrahim, his spokesperson, expressed shock over the explosion, describing it as “worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate”.

Bago sympathised with families of explosion victims, praying for the departed souls’ rest and the injured’s healing.

The governor directed all relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to take necessary actions and urged security agents to ensure safety, while cautioning residents to prioritise their safety.

Earlier in the month, at least two people reportedly died in a petrol tanker explosion in Agbor Town in Ika LGA of Delta state.

The tanker was said to have exploded near the Orogodo River along the old Lagos-Asaba expressway after the driver lost control of the vehicle.

In November 2023, a tanker explosion was recorded at Jigawa-Kano border in Dutse LGA of Jigawa state.

In October, a tanker explosion occurred in Majia town, Taura LGA of Jigawa when an articulated petrol vehicle spilled its contents after tipping over.

Many residents stormed the scene with buckets and jerrycans. An explosion ensued and more than 140 people were burnt to death.

Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo has vowed his administration is ready to give the criminals terrorising the State war.

He spoke on Saturday at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Awka while launching the new security outfit, Operation “Udo Ga Achi” and marking his two years and 10 months in office

Soludo also signed the new Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025 known as “Agunechemba” with the combined team of over 2,000 personnel to comb the communities

He said that security, law and order remain pivotal to the attainment of his vision of a liveable and prosperous homeland.

Recounting the genesis of the insecurity in Southeast and Anambra, Soludo said those terrorising the state and zone are not herdsmen but full fledged Igbo sons

He maintained that the massive revolution by his administration in all sectors must be cemented with a robust security system with zero tolerance for criminality.

The Governor described what is going on Igbo land and Anambra as lucrative criminality, assuring that it must stop with the unleashing of Operation Udo Ga Achi and Agunechemba, with the other combined team of Federal security agencies

He said those blackmailing his government and with lots of propaganda, will not stop him from fighting criminality, while ensuring that Anambra becomes the safest state in Nigeria.

He noted that the character and dynamics of criminality in the Southeast and Nigeria have evolved and become hydra-headed

According to him: “So the response must be thoughtful, deliberate and comprehensive, involving both the kinetic and non-kinetic agenda.”

Soludo further said the new law establishes a robust security system with zero tolerance for criminality while the special operation aims to upscale intelligence gathering, reward whistleblowers, and enhance rapid response to root out criminals from the state.

“The law provides a framework for community/citizens ownership and participation in the sustainable security and social re-engineering of the homeland.

The security outfits will operate with over 200 vehicles recently acquired by the administration, according to the governor, while additional ones will soon be acquired too

He announced that the State has acquired tracking system, command and control system and AI-powered surveillance cameras, to beef security among others.

“The criminals are not spirits, but human beings who live among the people, and it is the responsibility of everyone to report any suspicious activity to the authorities to make Anambra a better place

“I’m calling on all communities, traditional rulers, Presidents-General , clergy, and civil society organizations to join in deconstructing the dangerous narratives that legitimise criminality.

“The next few months will be turbulent, as the criminals will seek to strike at soft targets to test the will of the government.

This administration is determined to take the criminals head-on and quadruple their efforts in security” Soludo said

Armed internet fraudsters fatally shot an officer after opening fire on a team of anti-graft operatives in Anambra on Friday.

The officers were on a mission to corner a cluster of suspected cybercriminals, widely known as Yahoo Boys, when they were met with lethal violence on Friday morning, The Gazette learnt.

One officer was shot dead on the spot and another sustained serious injuries and remained hospitalised in critical condition as of Friday night, The Gazette heard.

The officers had travelled to Anambra on the assignment from their zonal headquarters in Enugu.

A male suspect has been taken into custody for the murder, an official said. His identity was not immediately disclosed, and whether he had contacted a lawyer remained unclear.

A spokesman for the EFCC said he would find out about the incident when reached by The Gazette. A police spokesman in Anambra did not immediately comment.

The attack came as chairman Ola Olukoyede was recalibrating the agency’s protocol on raiding white-collar criminals. Yahoo Boys were hitherto largely known to be unarmed and, therefore, easily to take into custody.

The deceased officer was identified as an assistant superintendent who had recently completed a promotional examination. The Gazette has withheld his identity to allow time for his family to be officially notified.

Anti-graft agents expressed apprehension over the development, with some telling The Gazette the agency’s personnel insurance had been moribund for years.

“We no longer have life insurance,” an officer said under anonymity to discuss internal administrative policies. “The last time family members of an officer who died on duty were compensated was under Farida Waziri.”

“So the families of the officer that died today won’t be getting anything,” another officer added. “So can we say he died for nothing?”